The hottest Europe Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Let's Not Compare Ourselves to Europe

The New Urban Order • 99 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Europe
  1. Many Americans are fascinated with European quality of life, food, and built environment, considering it as an alternate universe with less expensive housing, less demanding work, and easier daycare access.
  2. Despite the idealized view of Europe, the reality may sometimes clash with expectations, showing imperfections in society and infrastructure.
  3. While looking to Europe for inspiration, it's important to also focus on improving American cities by drawing from local examples and innovations.

Where are Jews safest in Europe?

Wrong Side of History • 560 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. The further west in Europe a Jew lives historically, the safer they are.
  2. The Holocaust haunts the European mind, shaping moral values and promoting openness to outsiders.
  3. Despite historical trends, in 2023 Eastern Europe may be safer for Jews than the more liberal West.

Saturday Commentary and Review #149

Fisted by Foucault • 421 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. Saudi royals prefer Israel over Hamas due to long-standing concerns about Islamism threatening their rule.
  2. The collapse of Austria-Hungary spawned unique literature reflecting on the loss of the empire.
  3. Bellingcat, known for open source intelligence, has been revealed to collaborate with Western intelligence agencies.

Europe's Troubles Are Just Begining

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. Europe looks set to face growing instability as the Ukraine war and other geopolitical pressures continue to unfold.
  2. Some political leaders are seeking legal shortcuts like asking for pardons before convictions, which undermines norms of justice and accountability.
  3. The U.S. policy of killing people in small boats near Venezuela is highly controversial and hard for officials to defend, and staying outside the ICC limits the risk of international prosecution.

Le Figaro Interview

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. An interview was published in Le Figaro Magazine on 12 December 2025. It was presented as a featured piece in that issue.
  2. High-resolution images of the interview are embedded and can be clicked to enlarge for easier reading.
  3. The post includes links and visible engagement counts (e.g., 132, 54, 26), indicating shares and reader interaction.
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Plagued Again

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 23 Dec 21
💾 History Europe
  1. The Black Death was a major pandemic that hit Europe in 1348, causing massive deaths. It spread through fleas and rats, showing how important hygiene is in preventing disease.
  2. In response to the plague's recurrence in the 1600s, people used primitive methods like quarantining the sick. This shows how societies have tried to control outbreaks even with limited knowledge.
  3. Marking houses with red crosses symbolized the danger of disease and isolation. This historical practice reflects the ongoing struggle to manage public health crises.

Top Links 358 Bond markets on fire, Cairo revamp, Libyan flood aftermath, Aron on Europe & NATO, plus fascism in America

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. US corporate bond markets have been very active recently, with record-breaking amounts of debt being sold.
  2. An article discusses the mysterious death of Cuban artist Ana Mendieta, who fell from her New York apartment in 1985.
  3. The Chartbook Newsletter by Adam Tooze covers a variety of topics including bond markets, Cairo redevelopment, Libyan flood aftermath, and fascist movements in America.

A fabulous train journey

Aliveness Studies • 6 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🏝 Travel Europe
  1. Interrailing is a fun way to travel in Europe. You can buy a pass for unlimited train travel on certain days, which is often cheaper than other ticket options.
  2. The train from Barcelona to Lyon is beautiful and offers stunning views, especially of the Pyrenees and lakes in France.
  3. Traveling by train can feel more like an adventure than just moving from one place to another, making it a memorable experience.

🌍🌏 GLOBAL EYES 👁️🌎

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 7 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. The U.S. 28-point peace plan, discussed with China and European partners, is reshaping negotiations and could pressure Ukraine into painful concessions.
  2. Putin is framing the war as a likely Russian victory, ruling out talks with Kyiv unless Ukraine cedes territory and using that stance to justify continued offensives.
  3. Leaked recordings of a U.S. envoy coaching Kremlin officials suggest U.S. diplomacy may be steering a deal that favors Russia, which alarms European and Ukrainian leaders.

A short dream in Paris then a friendly welcome to Zurich

One bag many places • 19 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Europe
  1. Wandering around Paris can unveil hidden charm with its unique architecture and atmosphere.
  2. Visiting iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower can offer new perspectives on history and culture.
  3. Traveling by train provides opportunities to meet interesting people, expand perspectives, and create memorable experiences.

Europe India Trip: Day 28-29: Heja(bye) Sweden, Moi(hello) Finland: Kapellskar (Sweden) - Turku(Finland) - Klaukkala [May 10-11, 2023]

Pocha Life's Learnings • 58 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🏝 Travel Europe
  1. The ferry ride was the longest on this trip, taking 8 hours and featured the best of Finnish hospitality.
  2. Learned about Iaido, a martial art involving sword practice, and the cultural significance of Finnish beer Karhu.
  3. Improved bike DIY skills thanks to help from locals, fixing indicator issues and receiving a donated rear view mirror.

Europe India Trip: Day 22-23 - Ringebu - Oslo & wait day to collect my passport [ May 4-5, 2023 ]

Pocha Life's Learnings • 58 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🏝 Travel Europe
  1. The traveler had to unexpectedly stay in Oslo for a day but found free accommodation through Bunk A Biker hosts.
  2. While exploring Oslo, the traveler enjoyed a walking tour, discovered unique architectural features, and found a tasty yet affordable meal at Subway.
  3. The experience in Oslo included receiving the passport, buying new shoe covers, and staying with a hospitable host who shared stories of bike rides and spiritual journeys.

Europe India Trip - Day 18-19: snow day in Fjellstova & Fjellstova to Kristiansund via Atlantic Ocean Road [Apr 30 - May 1, 2023]

Pocha Life's Learnings • 58 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🏝 Travel Europe
  1. The author had a memorable experience of receiving help from strangers during their Europe-India trip
  2. Despite encountering snow, the author made the most of the situation, from trying to ride in it to changing a tire
  3. The day included coffee breaks, encounters with closed businesses on Labour Day, and getting expert help with a new front tire in Kristiansund

Geopolitics and Georgia

John’s Substack • 4 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. NATO's 2008 pledge to bring Georgia into the alliance was followed by a war with Russia in August 2008 that Georgia lost.
  2. Georgia remains in a precarious strategic position, caught between the influence of the EU on one side and Russia on the other.
  3. A recent interview about European geopolitics was translated into Georgian, limiting English-speakers' access, but it was posted so followers might translate it back into English.

Europe's Unending Troubles

John’s Substack • 4 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. Europe faces long-running problems that keep resurfacing and show no easy fix.
  2. The war in Ukraine is central to this instability and is making Europe's future look bleak and uncertain.
  3. Public discussions and media conversations reflect growing pessimism about Europe's near-term prospects and ability to recover quickly.

Remigration: A Review of Martin Sellner's Proposal to Reverse the Flow of Refugees and Save Europe

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 109 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. Immigration throughout history has often resulted in serious disadvantages for the indigenous populations of destination lands.
  2. European elites have pursued liberalized immigration policies that may lead to Europeans becoming minorities in their own native lands.
  3. Mass migration is changing European societies and raising concerns about the future cultural and demographic landscape of Europe.

Weekend Update #72: The Weimar Triangle

Phillips’s Newsletter • 95 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. The Weimar Triangle, consisting of Macron, Scholz, and Tusk, plays a crucial role in determining Europe's support for Ukraine.
  2. Speaker Johnson's statements in Washington regarding aid for Ukraine lack concrete plans, leading to uncertainty.
  3. The actual war in Ukraine has seen the front line remain static, with Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries showing strategic promise.

Walking the Rhine Valley: From Duisburg to Cologne

intellectualinting • 155 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🏝 Travel Europe
  1. The cities of Duisburg and Cologne are only forty miles apart but have different post-WW2 identities.
  2. Duisburg seems rebuilt cheaply with little historical celebration, while Cologne appears wealthier and rebuilt in a quaint European style.
  3. The nature and atmosphere on a walk along the Rhine drastically improves once outside Duisburg, with fields of flowers and crops replacing factories.

With Sweden Joining NATO, the USA has Won the Strategic War of the 20th and 21st Centuries

Phillips’s Newsletter • 77 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. The USA has achieved its long-standing goal of uniting Europe under its security leadership through Sweden joining NATO.
  2. Putin and Trump are desperate to prevent this USA-led security pact in Europe from turning into a failure.
  3. Since Theodore Roosevelt's era, the USA's primary security concern has been the fate of Europe.

Rebuilding Ukraine could be top European investment theme of 2026

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 07 Jan 26
💰 Finance Europe
  1. If the war ends, a large reconstruction boom in Ukraine could start quickly and create big demand for rebuilding infrastructure and homes.
  2. Rebuilding Ukraine could become the top European investment theme in 2026, drawing capital into construction, materials, and related services.
  3. Political developments that lead to a truce will strongly influence the timing and scale of these investment opportunities, so policy moves will matter for investors.

Eurovision Song Contest: A 9-Point Explainer

Ahpocalypse Now • 19 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎭️ Culture Europe
  1. The Eurovision Song Contest is a tradition that has been going on for 67 years.
  2. Eurovision is an extravagant spectacle with unique and grand performances.
  3. Eurovision is a song contest with a mix of normal and extravagant entries, influenced by politics, unity, and complicated scoring systems.

Fully Grown - European Vacation!

Economic Growth Blog • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
💰 Finance Europe
  1. Changes in physical capital accumulation were not significant for Europe's growth slowdown.
  2. Variations in human capital growth were critical for Europe's growth slowdown.
  3. A major factor in Europe's growth slowdown was a notable decrease in productivity growth, more pronounced than in the US.

Two Different Languages

Phillips’s Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. There is a noticeable shift in European discourse regarding the Ukraine war, with a growing emphasis on the need for Ukraine to win against Russia.
  2. The longer the war persists and the more atrocities Russia commits, the more resistance there is to the idea of Putin achieving a victory in Europe.
  3. While there may not be a complete consensus on the matter, there is a clear trend in European sentiment towards the conflict.

THE UKRAINE REFUGEE QUESTION

Seymour Hersh • 80 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🌍 World Politics Europe
  1. Ukraine's neighbors are urging President Zelensky to pursue peace to handle the influx of displaced individuals into Europe.
  2. Zelensky's intentions for military action against Russia are a matter of concern, even though the White House believes he has not violated any agreements.
  3. Countries like Poland are pressuring Zelensky to end the war and start rebuilding Ukraine, even hinting at the possibility of his resignation if necessary.

Trump & Hegseth Shock on Ukraine

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Europe
  1. Trump and Hegseth are proposing major changes to the US policy on Ukraine. They believe this could reshape how the US interacts with Europe.
  2. Hegseth mentioned that Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO soon. This reflects a shift in the US's approach to European alliances.
  3. Trump suggested that there might be potential talks with Putin about ending the conflict in Ukraine. This indicates a desire for negotiation rather than continued involvement.